Named for its impressive (at the time) 64-bit processing unit, the N64 ruled the gaming charts from its release in 1996 to the time it was succeeded by the GameCube in 2001. Even then, the N64 managed to stay on sale until mid-2002 and still holds a popular place in the Video Game Hall of Fame. With the N64 remembered as one of the best consoles of all time, it makes sense that Nintendo wants to continue that legacy.

Featuring a classic N64 design, the pictures show everything from the old-school reset button to those famous N64 controller ports. The design has caused a stir online with critics pointing out that the extended sockets could be too fragile for a new Nintendo console, while others pointed out that the mock controller ports might stop players being able to actually insert the controller.

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At least the photos are easily identifiable as the N64 and keep the idea of a Classic console in the spotlight. Even if the images are a Photoshop fake, they are a particularly realistic rendition of what the N64 Classic could look like. All fans need now is for Nintendo to make a big announcement and cash in on the nostalgic hype of the Nintendo 64.

Nintendo still hasn't confirmed that the N64 Classic is even in production, but it looks increasingly likely that the console will follow in the footsteps of the NES Classic Edition and SNES Classic Edition. Considering the NES Classic Edition launched in late 2016 and the SNES Classic Edition in late 2017, the N64 Classic could be primed for a Christmas 2018 release. If the N64 Classic does make it onto shelves before the end of the year, it means it will go head-to-head with Sony's upcoming PlayStation Classic.

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As it stands, the PlayStation Classic will drop on December 3 and come pre-packed with just 20 games. Nintendo could easily take on its Sony rival if the N64 Classic brought back genre-defining games like GoldenEye 007, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. Although the N64 Classic is almost certainly a case of 'when' and not 'if,' gamers are left patiently playing the waiting game for now.